MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER

 
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MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
A magazine from Cigna                        Spring 2020

MORE
FROM
LIFE
                 ®

THE NEXT
CHAPTER
First in a three-part series
on age-related life planning
page 4

CAREGIVING
ACROSS
GENERATIONS
A Cigna employee opens
his home to a loved one
page 10

CATCH SPRING                   HEALTHY RECIPE
FEVER                          Chilly fusilli pasta salad
Energize and mobilize!         page 20
page 12

Y0036_20_83864_M
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
FEATURES                                           CONNECT WITH US
     4 The Next Chapter                                     Cigna Customer Service
    		 Age-related planning                                 1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711)
                                                            October 1 – March 31:
     6 		Opioid Safety 101
                                                            7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    		 Important overdose information
                                                            April 1 – September 30:
     7 Extras! Extras! Read All About ‘Em                   Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
       Learn about your plan benefits                       Messaging service used weekends,
                                                            after hours and on federal holidays.
     8 Get the Most from Your Plan
    		 Tools and resources for better health                Not yet a customer? Call:
                                                            1-888-284-0270 (TTY 711)
    10 		Caregiving Across Generations                      7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    		 A Cigna employee cares for a loved one
                                                            By calling the number above, you will be
     12		Catch Spring Fever                                 directed to a licensed benefit advisor.
    		 Get motivated and get moving                     @   LetUsHelpYou@HealthSpring.com
    16 Are You Depressed?                                   CignaMedicare.com
    		 Signs and symptoms to look for
                                                            facebook.com/Cigna
                                                            View the online version of More
    COLUMNS                                                 From Life at Cigna.com/medicare/
                                                            resources/newsletters
    14 Ask the Doc
    		 Dr. Laurie Greenberg discusses new
       aspirin guidelines
    15 Find-a-Word Puzzle
    20 Healthy Recipe
                                                               Together, all the way. er     ®

    		 Chilly fusilli pasta salad

    Get more from your Cigna plan | page 7

                                        Are you familiar with all the benefits that come with your
                                        Cigna plan? Check out page 7 to learn about extras your plan
                                        might include, such as dental and vision coverage, no-cost
                                        transportation to medical appointments, and an allowance to
                                        purchase over-the-counter items like cold and sinus medicine.

                                        To learn even more about extras your plan offers, check the
                                        customer handbook you received in the mail in December.
                                        Or visit Cigna.com/medicare/resources/plan-documents —
                                        your one-stop online shop for all things benefits-related
                                        — and review your Evidence of Coverage.

2
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
SPEAK YOUR PIECE
FROM OUR PRESIDENT                           Survey responses can make a difference
                  Dear Cigna friends,        Your opinion matters to us, and we use surveys
                                             to give you an opportunity to share how you feel
                 Do you like having          about the services we provide. In the past, your
                 everything planned          feedback has led to positive changes to some of
                 out, or do you prefer       our processes and chronic condition programs.
                 to take each day as it
                 comes? While living         You may be asked to participate in one or both of
                 in the moment has its       these two key surveys:
                 merits, it’s still a good
idea to have a plan in place for future      Cigna customer service survey
chapters in your life. It’s also essential
                                             If you call Cigna Customer Service, your
to discuss that plan with loved ones
                                             representative might ask you to stay on the line at
so they understand your wishes. On
                                             the end of the call to answer four short questions.
page 4, we’re introducing a three-part
                                             The representative won’t remain on the line or
series on age-related planning. In part
                                             hear your responses.
one, we focus on finances.

Speaking of planning, it’s a great time to
                                             Consumer Assessment of Healthcare
start thinking about your spring season
to-do list. It’s a scientific fact that      Providers & Systems (CAHPS)
warmer weather and longer days give          In March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
us more energy, so if you want some          Services (CMS) may randomly select you
ideas on how to put that extra energy        to participate in a CAHPS survey. If you’re
to good use, check out page 12.              chosen, you’ll receive the survey in the mail
                                             from a company called SPH Analytics. You can
At Cigna, we work to give you the            complete it and mail it back in the postage-paid
tools you need to live your best life.       envelope provided. If you’re unable to mail your
These include plan extras, programs          response, SPH will give you a
to treat depression and a website we         call and you can answer survey
developed to help you reduce stress:         questions over the phone.
Cigna.com/MyStressPlan. You’ll find
more about these topics throughout
this issue of More from Life.

Enjoy your spring — see you next issue!

Brian Evanko
President, Government Business

                                                                                                   3
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
Part 1 in a 3-part series

    THE NEXT CHAPTER

    Practical tips for planning your future

      New York Yankees       Getting older doesn’t mean we stop thinking about what lies ahead,
      catcher Yogi Berra     especially when it comes to finances. It’s crucial to have a plan and
                             discuss it with our loved ones — before a medical crisis happens. Here
          was famous for     are some steps you can take to ensure a well-planned financial future.
           his Yogi-isms,
    quotations that were
                             Get financial planning assistance
    funny on the surface     Need help with money-related decisions? Wondering whether it’s
         but often held a    time to appoint a financial power of attorney?
        deeper meaning.      > Get help from a financial planner who specializes in decisions
      Here’s one: “If you      associated with aging. He or she can help you come up with a
       don’t know where        personalized plan. Keep in mind that costs for these services
                               can vary.
     you’re going, you’ll
      end up someplace       > Check with your bank. Many offer no-cost financial planning services.
           else.” In other   > Contact your Area Agency on Aging. Visit eldercare.acl.gov
                               and enter your ZIP code in the search box to find help in your
        words, life takes
                               community.
        careful planning.

4
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
Fill out advance directive documents
Do you have a plan if you become too sick to make your own
                                                                       TALK TO
health care decisions? Having advance directives in place lets         YOUR LOVED
the medical community and your loved ones know your wishes.
These legal, written documents come in two parts:                      ONES NOW
> A living will lets you specify whether you want life-                The Conversation Project® is
  saving efforts made on your behalf. These may include                a campaign that teaches you
  cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or the use of a              how to talk with loved ones
  ventilator/feeding tube.                                             about end-of-life wishes.
> A medical power of attorney is the person you name to make           It teaches that discussions
  medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so yourself.        should “begin at the kitchen
                                                                       table — not in the intensive
Be sure to have the documents signed, witnessed and notarized          care unit — with the people
according to your state’s requirements before they’re needed.          we love, before it’s too late.”
Visit nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/advance-care-planning
to download and print state-specific documents.                        For helpful tools you
                                                                       can use to get the
After you finalize advance directives:                                 conversation started, visit
> Keep original copies where you can easily find them.                 theconversationproject.org.
> Give copies to your medical power of attorney, health care
  providers and family.                                                A Conversation Project
> Carry a card with you that says you have advance directives.         survey found that 92% of
                                                                       those who answered said
> Review your advance directives every year.                           it’s important to talk about
                                                                       end-of-life care with
Understand your financial picture                                      loved ones — but only
If you have a family member who handles most of your financial         32% have had that talk.
matters, make sure you’re aware of:
> Your overall financial status                                        Sources: Medicare.gov; Administration
                                                                       on Aging; The Conversation Project
> Financial adviser names and contact information
> Insurance policies, like medical, life, homeowner’s and disability
  (including insurer, premium amounts and their due dates)
> How to pay bills and whether they’re paid automatically, online
  or by check
> The location of:
  • Advance directives            • Birth certificates
  • Insurance policies            • Social Security statements
  • Safe-deposit box keys         • Pension benefits details

    Stay tuned for part 2
    In the next issue of More from Life, we explore how to
    make difficult or emotional age-related decisions. For
    example, should you downsize your home? When is
    the right time to stop driving?

                                                                                                           5
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
OPIOID SAFETY 101
    Prescription opioid medications, such
    as hydrocodone and oxycodone, are
    effective in treating moderate to severe
    pain when taken as prescribed by your
    doctor. But they also carry a range
    of risks, including side effects, health
    problems, overdose and death. It’s vital
    to understand these risks, know what                                                      Opioid overdose
    to do if you have problems, and talk to                                                   is a leading cause
    your doctor about safer alternatives for                                                  of accidental
    pain relief.                                                                              death in the U.S.
                                                                                              and most often
    Side effects                                                                              happens at home.
    Opioid side effects can include constipation,
    nausea, vomiting, confusion and increased risk of
    falls. Side effects from long-term use include bone
    loss (osteoporosis), hormone imbalances (such as
                                                          Be prepared
    low testosterone in men) and sexual dysfunction.      Whether you or a loved one is prescribed an
                                                          opioid, the best way to prevent an accidental
                                                          overdose is to take it exactly as prescribed and
    Overdose                                              discuss risks with your doctor.
    Overdose is the biggest risk when taking opioids.
    Overdose can happen to anyone, but some               If there is an increased risk of overdose,
    people are at higher risk, including those who:       ask your doctor whether you also need
    > Combine opioids with alcohol or certain drugs,      a prescription for naloxone (brand name
      such as sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and        Narcan®). Naloxone, when given to a person
      medications for anxiety and nerve pain              who may be overdosing, reverses the effects
                                                          of opioids within a few minutes and can be
    > Take high doses or more than prescribed             lifesaving. Naloxone is available as an injection
    > Have had an overdose in the past                    or nasal spray.* Both are safe to give a
                                                          nonresponsive person, even if you’re not sure an
    > Have breathing problems, such as asthma,
                                                          overdose has occurred.
      COPD or sleep apnea
    > Have a mental health disorder                       If your doctor recommends keeping naloxone
                                                          on hand, follow these tips:
    > Have a history of addiction to drugs, alcohol or
      other substances                                    > Store naloxone at room temperature.
                                                          > Alert friends and family about where it’s stored
    Because overdose can lead to death, it must be
                                                            and how to use it.
    treated as an emergency. Signs include:
                                                          > Refill or replace your supply if it’s damaged or
    > Small, constricted pupils
                                                            expired.
    > Loss of consciousness
                                                          Learn more at cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids.
    > Slow, shallow breathing
    > Choking or gurgling sounds                          * Generic injectable naloxone is covered by all Cigna Medicare
    > Pale, blue or cold skin                             prescription drug plans and is typically the least costly option.
                                                          Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

6
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
EXTRAS! EXTRAS!
Read all about ‘em

Are you familiar with all the extras that may come with your Cigna Medicare
Advantage plan? They’re benefits and programs that go beyond your typical
insurance coverage. Take a look:

Dental, vision and hearing benefits                   Post-hospital meal delivery
Many Cigna Medicare Advantage plans offer             Most of our plans offer a benefit that delivers
dental, vision and hearing benefits — like routine    nutritious meals to your home after a hospital
exams — that aren’t covered by Medicare.              stay — at no cost to you and for up to three or
                                                      four qualified hospital stays per year. After you
Transportation                                        leave the hospital, our meal vendor will contact
                                                      you to set up delivery.
Routine transportation coverage provides
non-emergency trips at no cost to and from
approved locations within 60 miles of your            Fitness center membership
home. Rides via vans, taxis, wheelchair-equipped      The Silver&Fit® Exercise and Healthy Aging
vehicles or the Lyft rideshare service are            fitness program* provides a no-cost fitness
scheduled through the transportation service          center membership at participating locations.
listed in your customer handbook.                     Or if you prefer to exercise at home, you can
                                                      enroll in Silver&Fit’s home fitness program.
Over-the-counter (OTC) allowance                      Both include access to a mobile app to track
                                                      your fitness activity and weekly, one-on-one
The OTC program provides a quarterly allowance
                                                      telephone lifestyle coaching sessions.
you can use to order certain OTC medications
and products, like cold and sinus medicine,
                                                      * Non-standard services at the fitness center that call for an
vitamins, bandages and more. The amount of
                                                      added fee are not included in the Silver&Fit program and are
your OTC allowance depends on your plan.
                                                      not covered. Silver&Fit is a product of American Specialty
If your plan includes this benefit, you should have   Health Fitness, Inc., (ASH Fitness), a subsidiary of American
received an OTC catalog in the mail. To request       Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). All programs and services
one, call Cigna Customer Service. Your OTC            are not available in all areas. Silver&Fit is a federally registered
order will be delivered to your home.                 trademark of ASH and used with permission herein.

  These extras aren’t included in all plans, and limitations, copayments and restrictions may
  apply. To see if they’re included in your plan, or to learn more about them, check your customer
  handbook or your plan’s Evidence of Coverage. You can also contact Customer Service.

                                                                                                                             7
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
GET THE MOST
    FROM YOUR PLAN
    Tools and resources
    for better health

    What should you expect from your health plan? At Cigna, we work hard to provide
    excellent customer service, coverage and benefits that meet your unique needs, and
    programs to keep you as healthy and independent as possible.

    To meet these goals, we offer tools that make it       Get your medicine
    easy to:                                               If your plan includes prescription drug
                                                           coverage, our online search tool at
    Find a doctor                                          CignaMedicare.com (click on “Find a Drug or
    For most of our Cigna Medicare Advantage plans,        Pharmacy” at the top of the web page) can
    you need to choose a primary care provider             help you:
    (PCP) from our provider network to serve as the        > Find retail and home delivery network
    leader of your health care team. For some of our         pharmacies
    plans, it’s not required, but we still encourage you
    to select a PCP.                                       > See if your medications are on our drug list (also
                                                             called a formulary)
    To find network PCPs and specialists, visit            > Estimate your costs for specific medicines
    CignaMedicare.com and click on “Find a Doctor”
    at the top of the home page. If you need help,
    give Customer Service a call.                          Pay premiums
                                                           If your plan has a monthly premium, you can
    Not sure if you’re required to choose a                mail in your payment or use one of these free
    PCP? Want to find out more about the                   autopay options:
    benefits offered by your plan? Check                   > Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), where your
    your plan’s Evidence of Coverage at                      premium is automatically deducted from your
    CignaMedicare.com/advantage/resources.                   checking account
                                                           > Social Security deduction, where your premium
                                                             is deducted from your monthly Social Security
    Check out the article on page 7 to learn                 check
    about extra benefits that may come with                To sign up for autopay, call our Customer Service
    your Cigna Medicare Advantage plan.                    Premium Billing team at 1-866-897-4904 (TTY 711),
                                                           Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

8
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
Get an annual wellness exam                         Earn a gift card for healthy activities
Our yearly 360 Exam is a thorough check-up          You can earn a $50 gift card for completing
that looks at your:                                 certain health activities. Incentives are
> Current health status and medical history         based on your health needs and Cigna plan.
                                                    To learn more, call Customer Service or visit
> Family and social history                         CignaMedicare.com/incentives.
> Medications
> Pain level                                        Receive rewards to help you stay well
> Mental health status                              Through our Cigna Healthy Rewards®
> Health risk factors, if any                       program, you can save on many health and
                                                    wellness products and services, including
> And more                                          weight and nutrition management programs,
                                                    yoga and wellness products, LASIK vision
The exam is covered at no added cost to you.*
                                                    correction, acupuncture, massage and more. Visit
If you haven’t already done so, call your PCP’s
                                                    CignaMedicare.com/CHSRewards for details.
office now to schedule your exam.

Schedule age-appropriate                            * Copayments/coinsurance may apply for other diagnostic
                                                      services received during the yearly 360 Exam or preventive
preventive screenings                                 screening visit.
Detecting health problems early through
preventive screenings can help you avoid
serious illness and hospitalization, and may even
save your life. Cigna covers the same preventive    Detecting health problems early
screenings as Original Medicare at 100% with
no out-of-pocket cost to you.* To see a list of     through preventive screenings can
common, recommended screenings, refer to            help you avoid serious illness and
your customer handbook. Then talk to your
doctor about which screenings are right for you.
                                                    hospitalization, and may even save
                                                    your life.
If you need help scheduling a preventive
screening, call us at 1-800-956-8126 (TTY 711),
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.

Track your care
Your Cigna Passport to
Health is a great place to
log all your preventive
screenings. You can also use
this handy booklet to record
important phone numbers
and any medications you
take. Make sure to share it
with your doctor or nurse at
each medical appointment.
You should have received
a Passport to Health in the
mail in January.

                                                                                                                   9
MORE FROM LIFE THE NEXT CHAPTER
CAREGIVING
     ACROSS
     GENERATIONS
     A Cigna employee opens
     his home to a loved one

                                                                      Ruben with his mother-in-law, Metha

                       Caring for      Metha have always had a            who suffer from loneliness, but
                       an older        strong, mutually respectful        she’s surrounded by us.”
                       loved one       relationship. But even the
                       comes with      closest family has obstacles       Time management also creates
                       plenty of       to overcome when multiple          day-to-day hurdles, but Renee
                       challenges,     generations live under the         and Ruben operate as a team.
                       demands         same roof.                         They get help from a home
                       and rewards.                                       health aide, and both work
                       No one                                             from home from time to time.
     knows that better than Ruben      The challenges                     And some activities have
     Osorio, a senior database         Metha, like many seniors,          simply become lower priority.
     administrator in Cigna’s          struggled at first with her loss
                                       of independence, and Ruben         “There are only so many hours
     Express Scripts division.                                            in a day,” says Ruben.
                                       soon learned that caregiving
     Ruben and his wife, Renee, care   sometimes requires backing         Metha needs Renee’s help
     for his 94-year-old mother-       off. He and his family have        with certain things, like
     in-law, Metha. Until recently,    their own obligations and          showering, but Ruben is there
     the fiercely independent          hobbies, which gives Metha         to lend a hand in numerous
     Metha lived on her own. But       some space and much-needed         other ways, especially if he
     advancing glaucoma and near-      time alone.                        sees Renee tiring.
     blindness meant it was time to
     move in with her daughter and     “It may sound strange to say       “I’ll say, ‘Honey, I’ve got this,’”
     son-in-law.                       that leaving Metha alone helps     he says. “If you’re having a
                                       her,” Ruben says. “But that’s      hard day, just call me. I can
     Ruben was up for the task,        exactly what she needs. There      help out.”
     especially since he and           may be other elderly people

10
The rewards
Besides the obvious perks of sharing a home with
a beloved family member, Ruben and Renee see            CARING FOR THE
gaining a roommate as a chance to teach their
two daughters, Ramie (11) and Ana (10), what            CAREGIVER
love in action looks like.                              Because caring for a live-in loved one
“It’s given us an opportunity to show our               is often a 24/7 job, the stress of having
daughters how to care for the elderly, how to           so little downtime can be emotionally,
care for others,” Ruben says. “They just love           mentally and physically exhausting. If
helping their grandma. We’re going to be old            you don’t have the help and support
and need help, so our hope is that we show              you need, that stress can ultimately
our younger generation how to care for our              take a toll on your health and leave
older generation.”                                      you open to depression and anxiety.

Ruben has advice for others who find                    The first step to avoid caregiver
themselves in similar situations.                       burnout is understanding that you
                                                        can’t do it all; instead:
“You don’t know a person until you live
with them,” he says. “Just be prepared for              Seek support. Talk to neighbors,
that, and then you can make the necessary               friends and family members about
adjustments so it becomes an overall positive           pitching in. Make a list of specific
loving experience.                                      caregiving tasks, decide what you’re
                                                        able to do, and then ask others for help
“Metha has had 94 years of wisdom that we get           with the rest.
to tap into, and we’re continuing to learn things
from her. I’ve called her the mother-in-law from        Give yourself a break. Take regular
heaven for the 18 years Renee and I have been           timeouts, even if it’s just spending
married. It’s really a blessing to have her with us.”   15 minutes alone enjoying a bath or
                                                        reading a book. Look into adult day
                                                        care programs to free up some time
                                                        for yourself.

                                                        Find community services. Contact your
                                                        local Area Agency on Aging, senior
                                                        center or family services organization
                                                        for suggestions. If your loved one has
                                                        a specific condition, like Alzheimer’s,
                                                        contact that advocacy group for
                                                        information about support services.

                                                        As Ruben has learned, caring for
                                                        a beloved family member can be
                                                        extremely rewarding in spite of its
                                                        demands. You know your loved one is
                                                        in good hands and getting the attention
                                                        he or she deserves. Having multiple
                                                        generations living under one roof can
                                                        create a great bonding experience. And
                                                        you’ll have the chance to make a real
                                                        difference in someone’s life.

Ruben’s wife, Renee (left), helps Ruben (right)         For more information on caregiving, visit
with Metha’s day-to-day care.                           the National Institute on Aging’s website
                                                        at nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving.

                                                                                                    11
CATCH SPRING FEVER

     Lighten your mood, increase your energy

     Do you feel energized by spring’s sunlight and warmer temperatures? If so, there’s a scientific
     reason for that. With longer daylight hours, your body produces less of the sleep hormone
     melatonin and more serotonin, which is a mood lifter. These changes can boost your energy and
     make you feel happier. Put that extra energy to good use with these ideas:

                MOVE
                Sunlight, fresh air and warm temperatures provide a powerful incentive to get outdoors.
                You can:
                > Go on a nature walk. Stroll through a park, neighborhood or farmer’s market to enjoy
     Outdoor
                  the blooming flowers and breathe in the fresh air.
      fitness
                > Try outdoor exercise classes. Check with your local recreation center or YMCA — many
                  offer classes such as yoga or tai chi in neighborhood parks and other outdoor areas.
                > Play with the grandkids. A backyard game of tag or a simple walk around the block
                  has heart-healthy benefits and can make great memories in the process.

                CLEAN
                Ready to put that extra energy to work by tackling some spring cleaning? If so, here are
                some ways to work smarter, not harder:
                > Divide and conquer. Don’t try to clean your whole house at once. Work on a room or
      Spring      two a day instead.
     cleaning
                > Clear the clutter. It can make your home both safer and easier to clean. Throw out,
                  donate, sell or give away items you haven’t used in a year or more.
                > Call in reinforcements. Ask friends or family for help cleaning windows and high-up
                  items, like ceiling fans and upper kitchen cabinet doors. (Avoid stepstools and ladders.)

12
ORGANIZE
                 Spring is a good time to tuck away winter clothes and replace them with
                 your warm-weather wardrobe. Experts say the best way to protect and store
                 cold-weather clothing is to:
   Closet
                 > Wash or dry clean before packing away. Leftover oils from perfumes and deodorants
   refresh
                   can cause discoloring, and dirty clothes can attract moths.
                 > Store in bug-resistant, plastic containers, or re-purpose empty suitcases. Tuck a dryer
                   sheet into each container to keep clothing smelling fresh.
                 > Stack folded items loosely, with the heaviest on the bottom and lightest on the top.
                   Place acid-free tissue paper between layers.
                 > Sprinkle a little baking soda into winter boots to absorb odors, and then stuff with
                   paper towels to help keep their shape.

                 PLANT
                 You don’t have to be a master gardener to successfully grow fresh herbs, and you don’t
                 need a plot of land to devote to a garden. They can thrive in containers on a porch, patio
                 or windowsill. Even better, you can grow some of them indoors year-round.
   Home
                 To get started, choose your:
   grown
   herbs         > Plants. Basil, mint, oregano, chives and rosemary are easy to grow and widely used for
                   cooking.
                 > Containers. Plastic, fiberglass, clay and terra cotta pots are lighter weight, affordable
                   options. Larger containers have to be watered less frequently, and you can plant several
                   herbs together.
                 > Potting mix. Don’t use ground soil. Use a high-quality mix of composted bark, peat
                   moss and an all-natural fertilizer, since container plants need extra nutrients.
                 > Location. Most herbs need lots of sun. For indoor growing, place pots close to windows
                   that typically receive the most hours of sunlight during spring months.

                 Ready to get started? Talk to a clerk at your local garden supply store or visit The Herb
                 Society of America’s website at herbsociety.org to learn more.

                 Check out the recipe on page 20 to put some of your fresh basil to good use.

Sources: HGTV.com; GoodHousekeeping.com; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; The Herb Society of America

                                                                                                               13
Dr. Laurie Greenberg
                                                                Cigna Senior Medical Director

                                                               For decades, taking a daily low-dose
                                                               aspirin was thought to be a simple, low-
                                                               cost way to help prevent heart disease.
                                                               But researchers now believe it could do
                                                               more harm than good for some people. As
                                                               a result, experts now advise against taking
                                                               aspirin preventively unless certain risk
                                              factors are present. Cigna Senior Medical Director Dr. Laurie

      ASK THE DOC                             Greenberg discusses what this change means for you.

     I’ve taken a daily aspirin for heart                    What are my alternatives to
     protection for years. Why the                           taking aspirin?
     change in thinking?                                     More than 80% of cardiovascular events are
     Aspirin has long been used as a prevention tool         preventable through heart-healthy lifestyle
     for people without heart disease. But in the world      changes. The American Heart Association
     of medicine, we have to look at whether the             recommends:
     benefits of a preventive treatment outweigh the         > Quitting smoking if you’re a smoker
     risks. Aspirin, even as low as 81 mg/day dose, acts
     as a blood thinner and can increase bleeding risk,      > Making healthy eating choices that include
     especially in patients over age 70. Many of those         vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains
     patients also take blood-thinning medications like        and fish, while limiting salt, saturated fats,
     Coumadin®, so adding aspirin to the mix really            fried foods, processed meats and sweetened
     ramps up the risk of internal bleeding.                   beverages
                                                             > Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-
                                                               intensity exercises each week (like brisk
     Who is aspirin recommended for?                           walking, swimming, dancing or cycling)
     New American College of Cardiology/American
                                                             > Staying at a healthy weight
     Heart Association guidelines make it clear that
     a daily, low-dose aspirin can still be a valuable       > Reducing stress
     treatment after a heart attack or stroke, in patients   > Limiting alcohol
     with heart disease, and in patients who have had
                                                             > Maintaining healthy cholesterol, blood
     procedures to open clogged coronary arteries. If
                                                               pressure and blood sugar levels
     you’ve never had any of these conditions and are
     just taking aspirin for prevention, ask your doctor     > Having regular check-ups with your doctor
     if you should continue. But never stop or change
     the way you take your medications without first
     talking to him or her.

         This column is intended only as general interest and does not in any way create a doctor-
         patient relationship. As with all information contained in this magazine, you should discuss
         any health concerns with your doctor or caregiver. If you have any immediate health care
         needs, contact your doctor immediately. The information in this column is not intended to
         serve as medical advice.

14
FLOWER POWER
Celebrate spring by testing your flower knowledge. Search up, down, forward, backward and
diagonally to find these hidden words:

     Azalea            Dandelion        Iris              Marigold             Poppy
     Begonia           Dogwood          Jasmine           Mimosa               Primrose
     Bouquet           Daisy            Lavender          Oleander             Snapdragon
     Buttercup         Freesia          Lilac             Orchid               Sunflower
     Carnation         Honeysuckle      Lily              Pansy                Violet
     Clover            Hydrangea        Magnolia          Peony                Zinnia
     Daffodil

                                                             Puzzled? The solution is on page 17.

                                                                                                    15
ARE YOU DEPRESSED?
     Signs and symptoms
     Depression is a serious health condition. It can interfere in your daily life and
     affect the way you function. Even more disturbing, it often goes undiagnosed
     in older adults because sadness isn’t always the main symptom. Physical signs
     — like fatigue and pain — can also be signs of depression.

     If you’re struggling with your mood or experiencing some of the symptoms
     listed below, Cigna’s no-cost Depression Management program is here for you.

     How do you know if you’re depressed?
     According to the National Institute on Mental
     Health, you might have depression if you
     experience some of these symptoms nearly
     every day for at least two weeks:
     > Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
     > Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive
       problems without a clear physical cause and/or that
       don’t ease even with treatment
     > Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
     > Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
     > Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
     > Decreased energy or fatigue
     > Moving or talking more slowly
     > Restlessness or irritability
     > Difficulty concentrating,
       remembering or making decisions
     > Difficulty sleeping, early-morning
       awakening or oversleeping
     > Appetite and/or weight changes
     > Thoughts of death or suicide, or
       suicide attempts

     To participate in Cigna’s Depression
     Management program, call
     1-866-780-8546 (TTY 711),
     Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
     Central Time. Assistance is generally
     provided over the phone.

16
HEALTH CARE WHEN AND
WHERE YOU NEED IT
MDLIVE telehealth brings doctors to you
The health care of the future is here! If you have a phone,
computer or tablet, you can now access non-emergency
telehealth care from the comfort of your home. MDLIVE
doctors are available days, nights, weekends and holidays to
help you with many minor health concerns, such as allergies,
flu, sore throat and nausea.*

MDLIVE services are part of your Cigna Medicare Advantage
plan. And you can sign up now so you’re ready when you
need a telehealth visit. Go to MDLive.com/CignaMedicare
to complete the registration process and provide a brief
medical history, or call MDLIVE at 1-866-918-7836 (TTY 711),
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

* Telehealth services are available to treat non-life threatening conditions
only. Call 911 if you experience a medical emergency.

                                                                     Puzzle solution from page 15
   PLAN AWAY STRESS
   We all experience stress from time to time.
   It can even be a healthy response, but
   chronic stress can impact your health and
   lead to things like insomnia, high blood
   pressure and diabetes.
   That’s why Cigna’s medical professionals
   have developed a PLAN you can follow in
   times of high stress. Identify a:

   P    ERIOD of time to unwind, a

   L    OCATION to de-stress, an

   A     CTIVITY to enjoy, and the

   N    AME of someone to talk to.

   Take an online quiz to reveal your stress
   level and learn more about how to manage
   stress at Cigna.com/MyStressPlan.

                                                                                                    17
Notice of Nondiscrimination: Discrimination is Against the Law

     Cigna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
     origin, age, disability, or sex. Cigna does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national
     origin, age, disability, or sex.

     Cigna:
        • Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
              o Qualified sign language interpreters
              o Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)
        • Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
              o Qualified interpreters
              o Information written in other languages

     If you need these services, contact Customer Service at 1-800-668-3813, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., 7 days a week.

     If you believe that Cigna has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color,
     national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with:
              Cigna
              Attn: Customer Grievances
              PO Box 2888
              Houston, TX 77252-2888
              Phone: 1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711) Fax: 1-888-586-9946.

     You can file a grievance in writing by mail or fax. If you need help filing a grievance, Customer Service is available to
     help you.

     You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights,
     electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or
     by mail or phone at:

             U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
             200 Independence Avenue, SW
             Room 509F, HHH Building
             Washington, D.C. 20201
             1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)
             Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.

     All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The
     Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. ATTENTION: If you speak
     languages other than English, language assistance services, free of charge are available to you. Call 1-800-668-3813
     (TTY 711), 8 a.m.–8 p.m., 7 days a week. ATENCIÓN: si usted habla un idioma que no sea inglés, tiene a su disposición
     servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711), 8 a.m.–8 p.m , 7 días de la semana.
     Cigna-HealthSpring is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select
     State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna-HealthSpring depends on contract renewal.               INT_17_49135
     09302016
18
0XOWLODQJXDJH,QWHUSUHWHU6HUYLFHV
English – ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge are
available to you. Call 1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711).
Spanish – ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia
lingüística. Llame al 1-800-668-3813    (TTY 711).
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1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711)ˤ
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Gọi số 1-800-668-3813    (TTY 711).
French Creole – ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou
ou. Rele 1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711).
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1-800-668-3813  (TTY 711)ⶼ㡰⦐G㤸䞈䚨G㨰㐡㐐㝘U
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Zadzwoń pod numer 1-800-668-3813      (TTY 711).
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                                                                                                                .(711 TTY)
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перевода. Звоните 1-800-668-3813   (телетайп 711).
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1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711)ࡲ࡛ࠊ࠾㟁ヰ࡟࡚ࡈ㐃⤡ࡃࡔࡉ࠸ࠋ
Navajo – D77 baa ak0 n7n7zin: D77 saad bee y1n7[ti’go Diné Bizaad, saad bee 1k1’1n7da’1wo’d66’,
t’11 jiik’eh, 47 n1 h0l=, koj8’ h0d77lnih 1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711).

                             ુ રાતી બોલતા હો તો િન:��ુ ક ભાષા સહાય સેવાઓ તમારા માટ� �પલ�� છે .
Gujarati – �યાન આપો: જો તમે �જ
ફોન કરો 1-800-668-3813        (TTY 711).

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                                                                         1-800-668-3813             (TTY 711)
Y0036_17_50169 ACCEPTED                                                                             17_MLI_MAPD
                                                                                                                              19
PO Box 20002
     Nashville, TN 37202

     Health and wellness or
     prevention information

     HEALTHY RECIPE

     Chilly Fusilli Pasta Salad
     DIRECTIONS
     Bring 3 quarts of water to boil. Add pasta and
     cook according to package directions for shortest
     recommended time. Drain and rinse under cold
     water to cool. Place vegetables and chickpeas
     in large serving bowl. Season with basil, salt and                       INGREDIENTS
     pepper. Add cooled pasta. Combine olive oil                              8 ounces whole-wheat fusilli (spiral) pasta
     and vinegar in a small bowl. Mix until completely                        2 cups cherry tomatoes, rinsed, halved
     blended. Pour over vegetables and pasta, and mix                         1 large green bell pepper, rinsed, thinly sliced
     gently. Divide into four portions. Top each with                         ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
     2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.                                        1 medium zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
                                                                              1 15½-ounce can low-sodium chickpeas (or
     Makes four 1½-cup servings
                                                                                garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
     Per serving: 418 calories; 11g total fat; 3g saturated
                                                                              1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1
     fat; 10mg cholesterol; 455mg sodium; 13g total
                                                                                teaspoon dried)
     fiber; 21g protein; 63g carbohydrates; 576mg
                                                                              ¼ teaspoon salt
     potassium
                                                                              ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
     Recipe is from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute             1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
     Keep the Beat™ collection at nhlbi.nih.gov                               2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
                                                                              ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

     All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through         CUSTOMER SERVICE
     operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health
     and Life Insurance Company, Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina,              1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711)
     Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of                   October 1 – March 31:
     Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of             7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
     St. Louis, Inc., HealthSpring Life & Health Insurance Company, Inc.,                April 1 – September 30:
     HealthSpring of Florida, Inc., Bravo Health Mid-Atlantic, Inc., and              Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
     Bravo Health Pennsylvania, Inc. The Cigna name, logos, and other
     Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. This               Messaging service used weekends,
     information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-800-            after hours and on federal holidays.
     668-3813 (TTY 711) for more information.
     Cigna-HealthSpring is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans,
     HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State
     Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna-HealthSpring depends on
     contract renewal. © 2020 Cigna
                                                                                       Together, all the way. er        ®

20
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